Test and receive detailed feedback and corrections from your instructor.

Once you pass, we will mail you the official certificate of rank and belt.

After all of that hard work, you deserve to wear your belt and feel proud of the achievement.

Certificates issued are the same as those awarded to students training with us locally.

FAQ

What is the style background?

From Okinawa, a wonderful and mysterious martial art has passed down to us from the past. It is often said that one who masters the techniques can defend himself readily without weapons and can perform remarkable feats of power and skill. The essence of the martial art style taught by Master Hodge has defensive abilities and goes beyond mere physical defensive feats into the realm of mastery of mind, body and spirit. Practicing Shotokan Karate Do with intensity and focus over time creates a powerful warrior spirit. Using this spirit to serve others with, in and through peace and cooperation will create balance and harmony within the student.

Shotokan Karate Do has its origins in Okinawa and can be traced back into China where many earliest masters studied. For the past thousand years the study and practice of masters and experts through which Shotokan Karate Do was nurtured and perfected took place in Okinawa. In the last century, Shotokan Karate Do has made its way to western lands where many different derivations of martial arts have been made from the original martial art as seen in Okinawa, Korea and China. Any practitioner today must understand that any representation of martial art has been modified and changes to fit for public consumption. The fundamental concepts as presented by Master Hodge are in alignment with Shotokan Karate Do and the original Okinawa Karate Do of Gichin Funakoshi. The fundamental study of GMAU Shotokan Karate Do, through first degree black belt is in alignment with Master Funakoshi. The lineage of Shotokan Karate as taught by Master Hodge is also linked through several Korean masters however, the fundamental style through first degree practiced by all these masters is in alignment with Master Funakoshi.

What is the instructor lineage tree?

1. Gichin Funakoshi, established Shotokan Karate Do in 1939. Master Funakoshi studied from about eleven years old under Azato Anko and Itosu Anko. He practiced diligently and in 1912 became the president of the Okinawan Shobukai. In May 1922, he relocated to Tokyo and became a professional teacher of karate-do. He devoted his entire life to the development of karate-do. He lived out his eighty-eight years of life and left this world on April 26, 1957.

2. Won Kuk Lee, In 1926 Won Kuk Lee travelled to Tokyo, where he attended high school and later attended the Central University of Tokyo (Chuo University) specializing in Law. During his school years, he started training in the martial arts currently known as Karate-Do Shotokan style, under the tutelage of Gichin Funakoshi and his son, Gigō Funakoshi, who was the instructor in charge of the karate club of the Central University of Tokyo. It was there that Won Kuk became one of the first students of karate in Japan, obtaining the highest rank for a person who was not a Japanese national. After his graduation in Chuo University, he traveled Japan, visiting Okinawa and many other cities in China, including centers where Chuan Fa (kung-fu) was taught.

3. Nam Tae Hi, started training in 1946 and received his first degree under Master Won Kuk Lee. After receiving his first degree in Shotokan Karate Do went on to create Oh Do Kwan with Master H.H. Choi.

4. Grand Master Jhoon Goo Rhee – introduced his mixture of Shotokan and Tae Kown Do martial arts to the United States of America since arriving in the 1950s.

5. Allen Steen – was the first american to receive a first degree black belt in 1962 from Jhoon Rhee. Steen also recognized that his first degree was Shotokan Karate Do and subsequent black belt degrees were Tae Kwon Do oriented. In Dallas, Texas he created his Dojo that was American Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

6. Mickey Fisher – Received his black belt from Allen Steen in the mid 1960’s and was an instructor with Allen Steen at American Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

7. P. D. Hale – Received his black belt from Mickey Fisher in late 1960’s in American Karate and Tae Kwon Do. In the 1970’s Master Hale studied under Jae Won Park of Korea and was awarded another certification under Song Moo Kwan. Currently Mr. Hale is a Grand Master with the rank of 10th degree black belt.

8. Rick Williams – Received his black belt from Grand Master P. D. Hale and created Kaufman Karate in the early 1970’s. Currently Master Williams 9th degree black belt owns and operates Crandall Family Martial Arts in Crandall, Texas and he and his wife are managing the Kaufman County Children’s shelter in Kaufman Texas.

9. Jon Hodge – Started training in the early 1990’s under Rick Williams and was subsequently promoted to black belt and became an instructor for Kaufman Karate through 2003. In 2003 Master Hodge opened a school of his own in Crandall and later Seagoville, Texas where he and his son operated the schools until 2012. Currently Master Hodge, a 6th degree black belt, works with his home study students and teaches at seminars. Over the years Master Hodge has studied many different forms of martial arts and is also a Master Chi Kung and Tai Chi instructor.

How does testing work?

Train with the lessons and classes. Once you have logged the minimum training hours required, you are eligible to submit your test.

Next, simply follow the instructions on the testing page, to film and submit your video exam.

Your instructor will do a detailed grading of your exam, and will also film a personalized feedback video with corrections and guidance.

Once you pass, we will mail you the official certificate of rank and belt or patch if applicable. If you do not pass the first time, you will be given corrections, and can resubmit without paying another fee.

Do I need a partner to participate in the GMAU Shotokan Karate program?

Although it is not a complete necessity, it can be very beneficial to have a training partner. The techniques can be practiced solo (preferably with a mirror). In the rank exam video, the kumite can be demonstrated solo or with a partner. If a partner is not available for self defense and one step demonstrations, a hanging bag or realistic dummy can be useful. You will need a partner in the kumite section of the brown belt – black belt rank exams, this can be a friend, training partner, or family member.

Can my partner (or family members) also take a level exam and become certified?

Yes! If you have a family member or friend who wants to enroll, they will need their own student account. Each and every student will receive instructor support and individualized feedback through their own respective training path, so we must have a separate account and payment plan for them.

Do you offer a discount for additional family members?

Yes. Rather than having to pay for another full price membership, we offer an add-on family member Basic Membership. This is just $59 per year. The Basic Membership gives your family members official student enrollment, their own GMAU account (for logging to a journal, asking questions, having their own progress tracked separately). The Basic Membership does not include access to the videos. You will want to use your main account for watching the video training.

Do I have to do the testing and ranking?

This is simply an option that is available to you. We have a lot of students who just like training and learning the material on their own, without the goal of earning rank through us. That is just fine. If you ever need anything, you can still get help through our Instructor Support.

Is your course aligned with a particular organization or association?

Yes, all rank awarded is recognized and accredited through the Global Martial Arts Association, Ultimate Training Martial Arts Association, the Association of Martial Artists World Wide, as well as various local and national training centers. If you are looking to receive a certification or ranking through a specific group – then you must contact them directly. If you are purely interested in mastering the art itself, improving yourself, and earning accredited rank as you progress – then our course will be a good fit.

Is there a minimum wait between level certification exams?

There are no “forced waits” in our program. But, we do require students to document their training/practice sessions in the Student Journal. We require for you to train a minimum number of hours and to document each practice session in your student journal before you take an exam. We do this for a few reasons:

It allows us to keep tabs on your progress, practice schedule, and training time. As your instructors, we are more in the loop, just as we would be if you attended physical classes with us.

The minimum training hours are designed so that you get enough repetitions; create real muscle memory, and instinctual movement. It is not enough to just “know how to do a technique” or “know the pattern of a kata” – but to execute these motions in a complete state of being and presence. Sufficient, documented practice will get you there.

We want to maintain high standards of excellence and expectations, so that you training, progress, and ranking is up to par to a shotokan student from a physical dojo.

Will my certificate state that it was earned “online” or through “home study”?

No. Certificates issued are the same as those awarded to physical training students. This is because we have the same syllabus, testing requirements, and student standards in our online course. Since you are not physically attending classes, you will need to put in extra work and have a much higher level of self-discipline in order to advance.

Is there a cost for testing? What does the test fee include?

Yes. Rank exams are $60 each for yellow – brown belt. The fee covers the time and energy that your instructor takes out working with you and grading your exam. Your instructor will take out a good chunk of time to study your exam, grade it, make detailed notes, and work back and forth with you in communication. Your instructor will also film a personalized feedback video for you! He’ll demonstrate some of your errors, go over tips, corrections, guidance, and anything that will help you improve. The fee also covers us mailing you the certificate of rank.

What if I have previous martial arts rank and experience?

Great! You are an even better candidate for studying at home, since you have trained in the past. However, we do not offer rank transfers or reduce your training requirements. We have found it to be most beneficial for students to begin at the first level.

How can I become a certified instructor and run my own Shotokan Karate classes?

Upon earning a black belt, you can take our Instructor Certification Course. Now that you understand the mechanics and concepts of Shotokan Karate, it is time to learn how to actually teach this to a student. Our Instructor Course covers: cycle of instruction, student learning framework, class structure, how to plan/organize classes, working with children of various ages, teaching adults/seniors, kata instruction, disguising repetition, drills, black belt skills, nutrition, flexibility, testing students, and basic business/management skills in operating your own facility. By earning an instructor certification through our association, you will be able to rank students, and have the prestige and support of our team behind you. Read Sensei Jon’s article – Can I Become a Certified Instructor and Open a Dojo through Complete Shotokan Karate?

We are offering Instructor Certifications on a one-on-one scheduled basis and in small group events. If you are currently a black belt and professional instructor in a different style (and run your own academy for example), contact us about becoming a part of our association.

Can I cancel at anytime?

Yes, there are no contracts or annoying cancellation processes. If you just don’t like the course, you can cancel. But, if you fall to hard times and want to freeze your membership, we can do that for you too.

Does a portion of my monthly tuition go toward changing the world for the better?

Yes it does! We donate a good portion of our proceeds every month to people and projects that are making the world a better place. From planting organic gardens to feed the homeless, to a martial arts school teaching underprivileged kids, to good people who have fallen under hard times and illnesses, schools in Africa, people combating ailments with natural herbs, and more - we are working on helping others and spreading abundance.

Real Student Reviews

"As a pastor of a church, I have very little spare time. For years I have wanted to take up Martial Arts but due to my schedule and travel, couldn’t. With Global Martial Arts University, I’m able to work towards my goal of being able to incorporate Martial Arts into the ministry.

Sensei Jon and Sensei Michael have put together an efficient and fun Shotokan Karate curriculum that is sure to help Martial Arts students increase in skill and knowledge. The online format is comparable to many online colleges and universities. It is easy to navigate and very detailed. Sensei Jon does an excellent job speaking to the beginner and the Black Belt. He breaks it down in an easy, enjoyable practice. Don’t get me wrong, the curriculum is not easy and it does take hard work, time, and energy. But…that is because it’s the real deal. Students can earn accredited rank and an increased skill base regardless of their prior knowledge.

However, it isn’t the incredible skill level of the Sensei or the website that led me to GMAU. After communicating with Sensei Jon and Sensei Michael, I could honestly tell that they cared about their students and invested in each student’s training so that the student can give back to others. Both were quick to respond to questions and gave insightful answers. They value each person signed up for their program. I highly recommend GMAU and look forward to continuing my journey."

Pastor Shaun Whitt
Grayson, Kentucky, USA

"When my kids started learning Shotokan at the local dojo, I immediately liked Karate's explosive nature and decided to learn it, too. As I already train another martial art and did not want to be away from my family for another weekday night, I now train Karate at home with GMAU.

The course is well-structured and follows more or less the Karate curriculum used here in Switzerland. Lesson videos are clear and of good quality. Sensei Jon puts a lot of emphasis on clearing the mind, breathing, correct stances and hip rotation. Some techniques differ from the traditional Japanese form my kids learn. In these cases Sensei Jon lets me choose which variant I want to demonstrate in the grading video. Some technical details as e.g. when to turn on the heel vs. the ball are not explained yet at my current yellow-belt level, I expect these to be introduced later in the course. While it seems that all relevant Karate techniques are tought, I don't think I would be able to win a Kata competition using this course as the sole preparation, but that's fine for me since I have different goals.

There is a growing number of 30-minutes video classes, complete with warm-up, explanations, drills, and stretching. They are engaging, fun and sometimes physically pretty tough to follow along. For the rank exams videos, Sensei Jon requires more demonstrations of single techniques, kihon and katas than the local dojo does, and since the exam should be filmed without breaks, it is physically much more demanding. That is fine for me, it ensures that the rank is not given out easily but has to really be earned.

To summarize, I am very happy with the course and my learning progress. I look forward to continuing training and learning, and eventually to earn my black belt."

Jonas Bieri
Bennwil, Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland

"I was a bit skeptical at the beginning. The idea of learning Shotokan karate online did not convince me too much, but it was the only solution for me due to work and family commitments, which took me a lack of time to dedicate to go to a dojo for live lessons.

Consequently, I started poking around the network searching for a suitable and professionally valid school where I could have learnt karate online. I must say I was surprise to see so many online karate schools that promise you to get a black belt within one year. I come from judo, so I know perfectly that is almost impossible to get a martial art black belt in one year. It's technically not possible, even if you train every day.

Finally, I came across the Global Martial Art University, excellently managed by the Hodges. It's a Martial Arts school which gives a complete Shotokan karate online course, with the possibility to go from white to black belt. GMAU do not promise you to get a black belt in just one year, but you can get it at the honest pace of any physical real dojo: 3 or 4 years. I enrolled there and I discovered a real online karate school with very competent and expert instructors, professionally skilled and supportive towards all student's issues. It's a school where nobody gives you anything for granted. Belts are not given away easily, but you have to work hard and constantly to achieve positive results.

From my personal experience, I must say I had to re-do my belt test three times, before passing to the next level. Apart the initial frustration, this shows definitively the passion, the professionalism, the competence, the care of details GMAU puts in place to make sure that online students reach the same objectives of the real dojo's ones.

I am fully satisfied of my choice, and definitively I would suggest GMAU to everyone seriously interested in learning and improve karate."

Nicola Antonio Roberto Amato
Motta Sant'Anastasia, Sicilia, Italy

"Global Martial Arts University's Shotokan Karate course has been nothing but a positive experience in all aspects of the program since I began. First, the program is incredibly accessible. I am in my 30's, have a child and work full time. I have always wanted to study Karate but have never had enough time to do so. GMAU's program makes learning accessible to when you can fit it in your schedule. For me, the most convenient time is in the evenings after I put the kid to bed. Also, it takes as much time as you want it to take. Classes range from 30-40 minutes and provide a full body workout while practicing technique. If I do not feel I have the energy for a full class I can either participate in the lessons, which are shorter, or I can practice at my own pace and record the time in my journal.

Second, the course itself is very welcoming and user friendly. After registering for the course, I received personal email from Sensei Jon welcoming me to the course. If I have a question, he will reply usually within a few hours of me submitting the question. Though I know the program probably has many students world wide, it does mean a lot to me to hear a reply to my questions so quickly.

Finally, this course comes at an awesome price. When searching a local dojo, I could not find one for less than $80-$100 per month. GMAU's price makes it a hard one to pass up.

This program is well worth your time investment and financial investment. Not only will you get the workout that you are looking for, you will get the training and support you need too."

Wes Robertson
Roanake, Virginia, USA

"I'd give Global Martial Arts University 10 stars but the rating scale only goes up to five stars! Even University courses in non-athletic based topics aren't as well delivered as the instruction I have received from Global Martial Arts University. My name is Adam Bein. I was a professional springboard diver and jet skier in amusement parks around the globe and a stuntman on the Universal Studios Hollywood Live Action Stunt Show the 'Miami Vice Action Spectacular'. Look it up on YouTube, I'm the guy in the red shirt and black pants in this series of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fp8l-aOeKg from 'Studio Tour'.

Here's the concept as I saw it-maybe you have the same thoughts: If I can learn to improve my windsurfing by watching and pausing videos-why not Shotokan Karate? If I can learn to shuffle dance, yes...'Shuffle Dance', by watching AND PAUSING videos-why not learn Shotokan Karate by video?Every. single. class I am, every single interest I have, I can learn from watching videos! So why not include the learning of martial arts?

Objection #1: "You can't fight yourself! BAH!" Really? Well I've got new for you buddy-the first two belts at least-you're NOT sparring now are you? Nope. Because you don't know the movements, you don't know the body positions, and you don't know how much strength is too much. Someone is going to get hurt in a real life in person class-so instead you do 'katas', you practice forms and stances and body positioning. You're not in combat in class, you're practicing body position and movement. Later on you CAN get a partner/find someone, Global Martial Arts University even has an online 'Locate a Student Near Me!' page where you can go to find ppl near you who are also enrolled in Global Martial Arts University. Find someone nearby and meet them and run thru katas together.

THIS i what you get from Global Martial Arts University. YOU, you YOURSELF get to, at the time YOU want, pause their Shotokan Karate instructional videos and analyze the videos as YOU need in the manner YOU wish. Do you have ANY idea how important that is?! Just you TRY to get an instructor, in person/live, to pause over and over and over again-waiting for YOU to get up to speed with something as simple as the EXACT position of the back foot during one stance and the right fist during a block. NOT going to happen and if it DID-it'd take you years and years or gobs of cash. Global Martial Arts University allows YOU the STUDENT to take control of your own education, of the information as YOU study it in the way & manner & speed YOU wish.

Objection #2: "I can just watch any video on martial arts for FREE on YouTube." Yes, yes you can. Go right ahead. Go right ahead & you go watch YouTube videos. Lemme tell you how THAT works. You'll go to the search area & type in 'Karate for Beginners'. and you'll find a bunch of videos. You practice them. Fine. Then let's say you DO make some progress with that video. YOU'RE going to have to have a list and library of 5-10 videos on YouTube for every skill and move and position-and one person's beginner video won't match another persons. There's no quality control, there's no consistency, there's variation, there's no belt testing that's for sure, the quality sucks-oh, don't forget, you're going to have to ADD a library list AFTER you search for it mind you, for warming up, how to test, how to do each long form drill. At what point do you realize that YOUR TIME is worth money? Do NOT count your pennies when you are trying to save dollars. If you're counting pennies you've got bigger problems in life. GO watch the free hack videos and lets see how long before you realize you demand quality, organized, thorough, consistent, patient, step-by-step, instruction.

Objection #3: Isn't going to a gym/dojo/school better? NOPE! There's no way the Instructor is going to pause and freeze like you want them too. There's no way the class is at the time YOU want-FOR THE DURATION you want! You're GOING to HAVE to get in your car, drive over there, get there early, workout, then drive back. Isn't your driving time worth money to you? And have you researched the COST of schools?! I did! $200/month PLUS at least one private class at $50.

Listen, I'm not saying it's a good idea to learn to skydive or to learn to swim or to learn to hang glide by watching frickin' videos. Let's not be ridiculous. But other than those activities and maybe Lifeguarding water rescues, we're running short on the list of things one cannot learn from watching videos! This is how the world IS right now-instruction on demand on your device!

So if you have any desire at all to learn Shotokan Karate, save yourself a boatload, a boatload of time AND trouble AND frustration AND organizing, and just plunk down NOT VERY MUCH MONEY and buy yourself, treat yourself, to Global Martial Arts University's Shotokan Karate class. I did and I made a damn good choice. The joys of living in this day and age include efficient, when YOU want, on demand, online martial arts instruction. I wish we had THIS 20 yrs ago.

Objection #4: "I'm going to look at other online schools." That makes sense. I did the same thing. You go look at other online schools long & hard like I did-and then come right back to here to Global Martial Arts University when you realize, just like I realized, that the other schools are not nearly as organized, personalized, and professionalized as Global Martial Arts University. Plus one online school's frickin' ex.pen.sive. You have no idea.

Best damn gift I ever gave myself. Hey-you can give this as a gift too when you pay at the checkout!

One thing's for sure-You will NOT be sorry you signed up with Global Martial Arts University for their Shotokan Karate class.